MERRY CHRISTMAS FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD December 25, 2011 Anbetung der Hirten by Gerard van Honthorst 1622 St. Veronica Church Established 1951 434 Alida Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 Fax: 650-588-1481 www.stveronicassf.com Phone: 650-588-1455
Parish Office Hours Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Lunch Noon - 1:00 p.m. Phone: 650-588-1455 Fax: 650-588-1481 Parish Staff Fr. Charles Puthota, Ph.D., Pastor Fr. Linh Nguyen, Parochial Vicar Fr. Joe Walsh, In Residence http://rico50.blogspot.com Deacon Roger Beaudry Deacon Joseph LeBlanc Sandy Kearney, Parish Manager Patricia Spiteri, Parish Secretary Karen Guglielmoni, Faith Formation & Wedding Coordinator St. Veronica Parish Mass Intentions WEEK of December 25, 2011 Mon 12/26 8:30 Salvador Tolosa Tue 12/27 6:30 Eugenio Natividad 8:30 Juan Gilbuena Wed 12/28 6:30 Juanita Daza 8:30 Tony Bartolo Thu 12/29 6:30 Rita Paranpan 8:30 Lee Heise Fri 12/30 8:30 Patrick Kerrigan Sat 12/31 8:30 Patrick Kerrigan 5:00 Patrick Kerrigan Sun 01/01 2012 6:45 Virgilio Canga 8:00 Rogelio Ipac 9:30 Kevin Murase 11:00 Norbert Stanley Wesolow 12:30 People of St. Veronica Christopher Lindstrom, Music Director 650-588-1455 Ext. 308 Kathryn Lucchesi Principal St. Veronica Catholic School Phone: 650-589-3909 Pam Cavagnaro Vice Principal SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION Sacrament of Baptism Baptismal Preparation classes are held once a month. Call the Parish Office 588-1455 Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) Classes from October 2nd through Pentecost. Call the Parish Office to register 588-1455 Faith Formation: 650-588-1455 Ext. 305 Catechetical instructions (1st to 8th grades) Saint Veronica Church www.stveronicassf.com 434 Alida Way South San Francisco, CA 94080 (650) 588-1455 C HRISTMAS LITURGY SCHEDULE 2011 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2011 CHRISTMAS EVE 4:00PM (Children s Mass) & 9:00PM 8:15 PM Christmas Cantata SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2011 CHRISTMAS DAY 6:45, 8:00, 9:30, 11:00AM & 12:30PM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011 Vigil Mass 5:00PM SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012 NEW YEAR S DAY 6:45, 8:00, 9:30 11:00AM & 12:30 PM Confirmation Classes: 588-1455 Parish Office email: churchoffice@stveronicassf.com
Mass Schedule Saturdays: 8:30AM & 5:00PM Sundays: 6:45, 8:00, 9:30, 11:00AM, and 12:30PM Holy Days: 6:30, 8:30AM, & 6:30PM Monday Friday: 6:30 & 8:30AM Confessions Saturdays: 4:00 5:00PM Liturgy of the Hours Monday Friday: Morning Prayer at 6:00AM Eucharistic Adoration Monday Friday: 9:00AM 9:00PM Parish Registration Please complete and return form to the parish office, or simply drop it in the collection basket. Kindly print all information Name(s) Name(s) Address City & Zip Phone E-mail: Updating Current Parish Registration Moving / Please remove from mailing list. This is a new registration Please call me. Ushers Needed - Stewardship Opportunity We are in need for ushers at all Masses except the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Men and women are most welcomed. For more information on how you can be part of this Ministry, please contact T.J. Rafael at: TJRSPOON@aol.com or 650-952-3659 Please remember the sick and the care-givers in our community. Pray that they may find comfort and healing in Christ. Please contact the Parish office if Homebound Eucharistic services are needed. Please remember in your prayers the recent losses from our community. Enrique Chavarin - died December 9, 2011 Rose Fogliani - died December 14, 2011 "Eternal Rest Grant Unto Them, O Lord " Pastoral Center Holiday Schedule The Pastoral Center offices will be CLOSED on Monday, Dec. 26 and Friday, Dec. 30 for the Christmas and New Year holidays. The offices will be OPEN on Monday, January 2, 2011. It is with great joy we welcome into our church and community the following children who received the Sacrament of Baptism at our Church Saturday, December 3, 2011 Nicolas Keanu Carrillo Antonio Galaton Quadra III Saturday, December 17, 2011 Matteo Joseph Sentlinger Samuel Alessandro Sentlinger Year-end Contribution Statements for 2011 A friendly reminder: Any donations that you wish to be recorded on your contribution statement for 2011 must be received in the Pastoral Center office by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 29. If you mail a donation and it is postmarked by Dec. 31, 2011, it will be recorded as a 2011 contribution. Donations postmarked after that date cannot (by law) be recorded as a 2011 contribution. Additionally, donations placed in the offertory collection basket at the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, will be recorded as a 2012 donation. Thank you for your continued contributions to St. Veronica Parish. Thank you for your sacrificial offering in supporting St. Veronica. Due to holiday printing schedules, our collection numbers for last week will be reflected in a future bulletin. Thank you for your continued support.
From the Pastor's Desk Dear Parishioners, At the exquisite and exuberant feast of the birth of Jesus Christ, may I share with you three famous Christmas stories and the deep insights they contain? The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry The young married couple, Jim and Della, is poor in material things but rich in love. For Christmas, Della sells her long beautiful hair to buy a chain for Jim s watch. Unaware of Della s plans, Jim sells his watch to buy beautiful tortoise combs for the lovely hair of his beloved. When they open their Christmas gifts, what sadness washes over them, and paradoxically, what joy! For the sake of love, they are capable of sacrificing things precious to them. When they have love, they have everything else. Insight: Christmas consists in sharing love, a love capable of sacrifice. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens The stingy and greedy Ebenezer Scrooge shows no compassion or goodness. The ghost of Jacob Marley, his old business partner, warns him of the terrible consequences if he does not change himself. Scrooge is then haunted by the Ghost of Christmas Past (his youth when there was room for gentleness and kindness), the Ghost of Christmas Present (the happy Christmas activities of people even though they are poor), and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (dire consequences if he does not change on account of what he has witnessed). Completely scared and shaken, Scrooge finds himself a changed man at Christmas. He shocks people by showing them goodness and compassion. Insight: Christmas consists in a joyful and generous gift of self to others. The Other Wise Man by Henry Van Dyke Artaban, the fourth wise man, having traded his wealth for a sapphire, a ruby, and a pearl, for the newborn king, misses the rendezvous with the other three wise men Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, carrying gold, frankincense, and myrrh, because he tarries to nurse a dying man. The delay forces him to spend his sapphire to buy camels and provisions for his solo journey. On the way, he gives up his ruby as a bribe to save a child from being killed by Herod s soldiers. Thirtythree years later, now in Jerusalem, still in search of the king, he gives up his pearl to save a young girl from being sold into slavery. Sad that he had squandered his precious gifts meant for the king, on Crucifixion day, he hears a faint voice: Whenever you did this to the least ones, you did it for me. Insight: Christmas consists in adoring Jesus by helping the poor and needy. I wish you the abundant Christmas blessings now and throughout the New Year. I thank and commend you for your deep faith, active collaboration, joyful spirit, and generous donations, all of which make the mission and ministry of St. Veronica Parish viable and vibrant. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Your Friend and Pastor, Father Charles Puthota CHRISTMAS JOKES What A Girl Wants For Christmas The Santa Claus at the shopping mall was very surprised when Emily, a young lady aged about 20 years, walked up and sat on his lap. Now, we all know that Santa doesn't usually take requests from adults, but she smiled very nicely at him, so he asked her, 'What do you want for Christmas?' 'Something for my mother, please,' replied Emily sweetly. 'Something for your mother? Well, that's very loving and thoughtful of you,' smiled Santa. 'What would you like me to bring her?' Without turning a hair Emily answered quickly, 'A son-in-law.' Christmas Spirit It was just before Christmas and the judge was in a happy mood. He asked the prisoner in the dock, 'What are you charged with?' The prisoner replied, 'Doing my Christmas shopping too early.' 'That's no crime', said the judge. 'Just how early were you doing this shopping?' 'Before the shop opened', answered the prisoner. Christmas Service It was a cold and misty Christmas morning in the very depth of winter after a heavy fall of snow and only one farmer and the minister managed to arrive at the church for the morning service. 'Well' said the clergyman 'I guess there's no point in having a service today.' 'Well that's not how I see it, said the farmer. If only one cow turns up at feeding time, I still feed it.' Saying a Prayer for the Christmas Meal Lee, a seven-year-old boy, was asked to say thanks for the Christmas dinner. The family members bowed their heads in expectation. Lee began his prayer, thanking God for his mommy, daddy, brothers, sister, grandma, and all his aunts and uncles. Then he began to thank God for the food. He gave thanks for the turkey, the stuffing, the Christmas pudding, even the cranberry sauce. Then Lee paused, and everyone waited... and waited. After a long silence, the young fellow looked up at his mother and asked, "If I thank God for the Brussels sprouts, won't he know that I'm lying?" Christmas Presents Here are useful phrases for responding to Christmas presents you would rather not have received: 1. Thanks a lot! 2. My word! What a gift! 3. Well, well, well... 4. If I hadn't put on so much weight recently it would have fitted me perfectly. 5. Gosh, I hope I never lose this. We're always losing things around here. 6. It's great; but I'm worried about the envy it may create. 7. Just my luck to get this on the very Christmas I promised to give all my gifts to charity. 8. Unfortunately, I am about to enter FBI's Witness Protection program. 9. Frankly, I don't deserve this. 10. Really, you shouldn't have.
COME LORD JESUS Simbang Gabi Advent Mass Sponsors and Donors (as of 12/15/2011) Frankie & Aurelia Acob Celso Gironella Mr. & Mrs. Jacinto Pacana Steve & Ofie Albrecht Rodolfo & Lulu Julao Jim & Aurie Piguing Florita Alano Brian & Sandy Kearney Fr. Charles Puthota Bukas Loob Sa Diyos Covenant Community Frances Kong Mavic Ramos Ester Baldovino Joey & Juvy Laurito Lisa Rimando Evelyn Broas Ruben Lucero Dominador & Leonida Roxas Jaime Corral Rosalinda Madrona Dinah Santos & Family Greg & Mars Corrales Clemence Maguire Alex & Luz Sobejana Dr. & Mrs. Chito Crisostomo Elmer & Flaviana Mamaradlo Romero & Puri Soriben Cres & Rosalinda Cuaton Linne Monterola Trinadad Tabaldo Larry & Perla Cruz Rufino Monterola III Alex Wong Joe & Carmella Da San Martino Gregorio & Imelda Morales Greg & Mary Wong Rose Dantes Venkat & Rachel Naidu Monica S. Y. Wong Rosita Enriquez Joseph & Sonia Nunez Peter & Norma Zarate Ramon & Margarita Fernandez, Jr. Josefina Pablo
With Appreciation! Thank you to all who donated in so many ways during the Advent season. The St. Veronica parish, school and faith formation communities continued to express the spirit of generosity by contributing time, talent and treasure through buying gifts for the less fortunate for our Giving Angel, by contributing food to the St. Vincent de Paul pantry, by turning in jackets and coats to the One Warm Coat drive, and by donating toys and books to the South San Francisco Fire Department s Toy Drive. Remembering those who are less fortunate in our community is one of the kindest ways to share the Christmas spirit, throughout the holiday season and always! A Christmas Prayer Loving Father, help us to remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the Wise Men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus sake. Amen. -- Robert Louis Stevenson Faith Formation News Faith Formation classes are now on Christmas break. Classes will resume on Wednesday, January 11 and Saturday, January 14, 2012. In other news... The children in grades 1-6 enjoyed their Happy Birthday Jesus parties in Falcon Hall during the last classes before break. Thanks to all the parents who donated goodies and their time to help make these annual parties a success! The SSFFD was on hand with their antique fire truck and other apparatus to collect the children s toy and book donations. The teens in our 7th grade and Confirmation preparation classes brought joy, good cheer and caroling to our neighbors at Rotary Plaza. It was heartening to see the teens singing and talking with the seniors and sharing handmade Christmas cards with them. The candidates from our Confirmation Class of 2012 did a wonderful job serving for the Senior Luncheon on Dec. 10. Nearly 80 seniors were treated to a hearty lunch, a performance by the St. Veronica Hula dancers, and gifts donated by the families of the candidates. Christmas from Rome and Washington airing on EWTN Catholic Television EWTN will air Christmas liturgies from Rome and our Nation s Capital as follows (all times are PST): On Dec. 24, Pope Benedict XVI will offer Christmas Eve Mass at 1 p.m.; Mass from the National Shrine in Washington will be at 7:30 p.m. On Christmas Day, Mass from the National Shrine will begin at 9 a.m.; the Papal Message to Rome and the World will air at 7 p.m. To close out 2011, EWTN will air the Pope leading a Vespers of Thanksgiving on Dec. 31 at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. EWTN is carried on Comcast 229, AT&T 562, Astound 80, San Bruno Cable 143, DISH Satellite 261 and Direct TV 370. The 8th Annual Walk for Life www.walkforlifewc.com Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, is the date for the West Coast Walk for Life. The day begins at Civic Center Plaza with an Info Faire at 11 a.m. followed by the rally at 12:30 p.m. The walk will commence from Civic Center Plaza and continue two miles down Market Street where it will end at Justin Herman Plaza/Ferry Building. Ample parking is available at both the starting and finishing locations. BART is also conveniently located to both locations. Drivers Needed The local Second Harvest Food Bank is in need of drivers to deliver bags of groceries to the disabled and elderly here in South San Francisco. Distribution occurs on Tuesday mornings from 9-11 a.m. out of the Mater Dolorosa location. Those interested may contact Mary Beaudry at 650-219- 6689 for further information.
Annual Saint Veronica Men s Club Surf n Turf Crab Feed Saturday January 14, 2012 6:00 p.m. Midnight $50 per person with hosted bar (Caesar salad, Marinated Crab, Tri-Tip with veggies, pesto pasta, & dessert) Please send in the reservation form, along with your check made out to St. Veronica Men s Club. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - List Names 1. 2. 3. 4. Number of adults attending x $50 = If possible, we will try and seat you with other couples of your choice: RSVP is January 6, 2012 Reservations can be sent to the school office or Pastoral Center: Attention CRAB FEED RESERVATIONS If you have any questions, please email rocha6anne@gmail.com St. Veronica Catholic School Serving South San Francisco since 1958 office@stveronicacatholicschool.org Fr. Charles Puthota Pastor Kathryn Lucchesi Principal Building Character which fosters Christian values of Compassion, Tolerance, Justice, and Respect for the Dignity of Life. Outstanding WASC & WCEA Accreditation Academic Curriculum with Resource Program All Day Kindergarten Spanish Language Instruction K - 8 Technology Integration Elementary & Junior High Science Program Band and P.E. Full Sports Program Gym & Play Structure OPEN HOUSE Sunday, January 29, 2012 After the 9:30 a.m. Mass CLASSROOM TOURS To schedule an appointment, please call the school office (650) 589-3909